Joe L. Smith
Encyclopedia
Joseph Luther Smith, commonly known as Joe L. Smith (May 22, 1880 – August 23, 1962), was an American politician
, and a member of the Democratic Party from West Virginia
.
He was born in Marshes (now Glen Daniel) in Raleigh County, West Virginia
, where he attended public and private schools.
Smith was editor and owner of Raleigh Register in Beckley, West Virginia
. In addition, he was engaged in the real estate and banking businesses.
His political career began in 1904, when, at age of 24, he became mayor of Beckley, a post he held for 25 years until 1929. He also served in the State Senate (1909–1913).
Smith was elected to the United States House of Representatives
from West Virginia's 6th District in 1928, where he served eight two-years term (March 4, 1929 – January 3, 1945).
He rose to became chairman of the House Committee on Mines and Mining (Seventy-second through Seventy-eighth Congresses).
He didn't seek a ninth term in 1944. Fellow Democrat E. H. Hedrick
replaced him.
After leaving politics, Smith resumed his banking career and resided in Beckley, where he died. He is interred in Sunset Memorial Park.
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
, and a member of the Democratic Party from West Virginia
West Virginia
West Virginia is a state in the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States, bordered by Virginia to the southeast, Kentucky to the southwest, Ohio to the northwest, Pennsylvania to the northeast and Maryland to the east...
.
He was born in Marshes (now Glen Daniel) in Raleigh County, West Virginia
Raleigh County, West Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 79,220 people, 31,793 households, and 22,096 families residing in the county. The population density was 130 people per square mile . There were 35,678 housing units at an average density of 59 per square mile...
, where he attended public and private schools.
Smith was editor and owner of Raleigh Register in Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley, West Virginia
Beckley is a city in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States, which was founded on April 4, 1838. The 2008 population was estimated to be 16,832 by the U.S. Census Bureau. Early in its history, the town was known as Beckleyville and Raleigh Court House...
. In addition, he was engaged in the real estate and banking businesses.
His political career began in 1904, when, at age of 24, he became mayor of Beckley, a post he held for 25 years until 1929. He also served in the State Senate (1909–1913).
Smith was elected to the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
from West Virginia's 6th District in 1928, where he served eight two-years term (March 4, 1929 – January 3, 1945).
He rose to became chairman of the House Committee on Mines and Mining (Seventy-second through Seventy-eighth Congresses).
He didn't seek a ninth term in 1944. Fellow Democrat E. H. Hedrick
E. H. Hedrick
Erland Harold Hedrick, better known as E. H. Hedrick was an American Democratic politician from West Virginia....
replaced him.
After leaving politics, Smith resumed his banking career and resided in Beckley, where he died. He is interred in Sunset Memorial Park.